The new Institute for Tourism studies in Qala, Gozo, was the venue of a conference about prospects for careers in the tourism sector. Several Heads of Schools, teachers, guidance teachers and others employed within the Gozo College, attended this conference, together with a number of stakeholders who operate within the Gozitan tourism industry.

This conference opened a week of activities being held on the initiative of the Gozo Tourism Association together with the Malta Tourism Authority in collaboration with the Ministry for Gozo and the Parliamentary Secretariat for Tourism.

The main objective behind the ‘Careers in Tourism week’ is that of increasing awareness about job opportunities available within the tourism industry. The activities planned throughout this week are aimed to expose such opportunities amongst students, parents and those employed within the educational sector in order that the choice of tourism related careers, may be given due importance.

On opening this conference, Giovanna Debono, Minister for Gozo, said that this conference specifically addresses the need being felt by Gozitan tourism operators, which is that of not finding enough Gozitans who are willing to work within this sector. The Minister for Gozo also said that the Gozitan touristic product needs local people who are willing to work and offer their services within the tourism industry.

People who are proud of Gozo’s historical and traditional heritage, and who are ready to extend a hospitable, quality service to those who pay in order to see what the island of Gozo has to offer. The Minister refered to various projects that contributed towards the benefit of the tourism industry through infrastructural improvements and product development. Minister Debono urged Gozitan tourism stakeholders to participate in the EU funded programmes through which they can improve their establishments. This will provide better environs for tourists and workers alike.

Mario de Marco, Parliamentary Secretary for Tourism, within the Office of the Prime Minister, also addressed those present. Dr De Marco said that the main aim of the Careers in Tourism Week, is that of fostering more interest amongst young students in order that they may consider more seriously taking up a career within the tourism sector.

He also mentioned the importance of the tourism sector on the Gozitan economy, since more than 700 workers are employed on a full time basis in various hotels and restaurants in Gozo. This does not include hundreds of others who are employed in other tourism related sectors such as tourist guides, and those working in public transport services. Dr de Marco said that unfortunately there are those who consider a job in tourism as a part-time activity and not as a career with good prospects. He concluded by saying that in order for the industry to advance, workers must be continuously trained so that they may be able to meet the demands and expectations of customers whilst adding to the value of the touristic product on offer.

Other speakers in this conference included Mr John Cassar, Head ITS Gozo, Mr Andre Arciola from MTA as well as Mr Joe Muscat, General Secretary of the Gozo Tourism Association, Ms Marie Avellino from the Department of Tourism Studies within the Faculty of Economics, Management and Accountancy at the University of Malta, Miguel Refalo, a Gozitan student following a BA in Tourism Studies, Ms Genevieve Abela from the Parliamentary Secretariat for Tourism as well as Mr Marcel Meilaq from ITS in Gozo.

The programme of activities for the Careers in Tourism week, will run up to Sunday 26th April 2009. During the coming days students attending secondary schools in Gozo are being taken on trails that will bring them in close contact with tourist attractions and services on the island. Visits will include various historical sites, restaurants, hotels as well as other accomodation and agro-tourism establishments.

Activities will come to an end with an open day at ITS in Qala. It is expected that many students together with their parents, educators as well as others looking for work or aiming to change their jobs, will be presented with an opportunity to become aware of the various courses and services offered at this new centre as well as the career opportunities proposed within the tourism industry.